Quebec

Attractions

Exploring the historic fortifications and cobbled streets of Quebec City and the Vieux Port de Montreal will be a delight for history buffs. Keen travellers will be entranced by the rich, European feel of the province of Quebec and its distinctly French flavour.

Top urban attractions in Quebec's prime cities of Montreal and Quebec City include the Basilique Notre-Dame, a favourite landmark of Old Montreal; Quebec City's La Citadelle, the star-shaped fort looming above the St Lawrence River; Montreal's controversial Parc Olympique, which looks like a spaceship; and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

Quebec also lures travellers with a lovely variety of wilderness areas. There are four Canadian national parks in Quebec: Forillon National Park, La Mauricie National Park, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve and Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park.

There are even more protected areas outside of these conservation hubs. Known simply as provincial parks, they include such drawcards as the Laurentian Mountains in southern Quebec, which are a particularly popular playground for those in search of natural beauty and outdoor recreation.

L'Île d'Orléans

The little island in the Saint Lawrence River, just 15 minutes from downtown Quebec City, is a historical treasure trove containing 600 heritage buildings. Algonquin natives called…

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L'Île d'Orléans

The little island in the Saint Lawrence River, just 15 minutes from downtown Quebec City, is a historical treasure trove containing 600 heritage buildings. Algonquin natives called the island Windigo, meaning 'bewitched corner', before French colonists arrived in 1535 and named it for the Duke of Orleans. The island is the ancestral home of more than 300 Quebecois families and still has more than 7,000 inhabitants. A perimeter road called the Royal Way connects all the six villages on the island, extending across the Taschereau Bridge to the mainland. Visitors enjoy cycling or driving around the island to marvel at panoramic views of the river and explore sites such as the oldest church in New France.

Address 9 miles (15 km) from Quebec City

Website http://tourisme.iledorleans.com/en/